It now appears, as of approximately 11:00 a.m. ET, that the problems noted below have been fixed and Google/Blogspot-based blogs are back up and running. -------------- It appears Google is having trouble with its Blogspot server(s) this morning. As recently as 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, a "Server Error" message appeared on randomly checked Blogspot sites. Accordingly, if … [Read more...] about Update: Google Blogspot Server Issues
Newest China Product Scandal: Dirty Chopsticks
The revelations reflecting the lack of quality control and safety standards in China aren't over yet. The latest scandal involves chopsticks: A Beijing factory recycled used chopsticks and sold up to 100,000 pairs a day without any form of disinfection, a newspaper said on Wednesday, the latest is a string of food and product safety scares. Counterfeit, shoddy and … [Read more...] about Newest China Product Scandal: Dirty Chopsticks
Bite Me
Recently, the New York Times had an article up, quoting Pat Schroeder, president of the American Association of Publishers. Schroeder is a Democratic Liberal who despises conservatives and who seemingly believes that all conservatives are stupid. Her reason for thinking this? Conservatives read less books than liberals. In fact, according to Mrs. Schroeder, this is due to 'the … [Read more...] about Bite Me
The Battle for the Soul of Turkey
Recep Tayyip Erdogan I have collected a couple of links to articles about the situation in Turkey / the (likely) election of Gül as Turkey's next president. As you all will know by now (thanks to Meltem for posting about this topic at my own blog The Gazette), Gül received the most votes in the first round, but not enough votes to become president already. He needs a … [Read more...] about The Battle for the Soul of Turkey
Today’s American History Lesson
December 14, 2004: President Bush awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to former CIA Director George Tenet, saying he had played a "pivotal roles in great events," an allusion to the 9/11 attacks and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also receiving the medal are retired General Tommy Franks, who oversaw combat in Afghanistan and … [Read more...] about Today’s American History Lesson
TV Review: Cities of Light: The Rise And Fall Of Islamic Spain
Once upon a time, on the the Iberian peninsula, in what is now southern Spain, Jews, Muslims and Christians lived in harmony, and the mild tension between them led to creativity. It became a kind of garden for the flowering of art, architecture, business, ideas, music, a (often grudging) respect for other religions -- and a nest for the Renaissance. People lived side by … [Read more...] about TV Review: Cities of Light: The Rise And Fall Of Islamic Spain
Guest Voice: Why I Opposed The War But Support The Surge
NOTE: The Moderate Voice runs Guest Voice posts from time to time by readers who don't have their own websites, or people who have websites but would like to post something for TMV's diverse and thoughtful readership. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Moderate Voice or its writers. This is by the independent blog Walking Think Tank: Why I … [Read more...] about Guest Voice: Why I Opposed The War But Support The Surge
Hurricane Dean: Vast Liberal Conspiracy
The global warming police – as well as the deniers – are out in force in the wake of mighty Hurricane Dean’s march across the Caribbean and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Dean has put up some impressive numbers: It is one of the 10 most intense Atlantic hurricanes of the last century. It is the first Category 5 hurricane in 25 years to make landfall in the Atlantic … [Read more...] about Hurricane Dean: Vast Liberal Conspiracy
Vick Goes to the Dogs
Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune … [Read more...] about Vick Goes to the Dogs
Poll: Congress Sets New Low Approval Rating Record
A new poll spells big trouble for Democrats, but it should not cause Republicans to salivate, either: A new Gallup Poll finds Congress' approval rating the lowest it has been since Gallup first tracked public opinion of Congress with this measure in 1974. Just 18% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, while 76% disapprove, according to the August 13-16, 2007, … [Read more...] about Poll: Congress Sets New Low Approval Rating Record
“Never Again” Rings Hollow Again
I hate to be on such a self-hating kick, but the American Jewish community's tepidity in supporting the Armenian community in their quest to get the Armenian genocide recognized by the United States is disgraceful. Yes, Turkey is a friend. No, it's not one at any cost. There are certain things we cannot compromise on, and the willingness of groups like the ADL to barter away … [Read more...] about “Never Again” Rings Hollow Again
Multiculturalism in Education
Marc Moore wrote a fascinating article at The Gazette about "multiculturalism in education." School is about to start in Texas and all over the state children and teenagers are alternately awaiting and dreading the beginning of another 180-odd days of enlightenment that will be delivered by the finest teachers a sub-standard pay rate, a regressive labor union, and a back-end … [Read more...] about Multiculturalism in Education
Does Levin Believe the Surge is Working or What?
There is something very interesting happening right now: Senators Levin - Democrat - and Warner - Republican - recently came back from a trip to Iraq and had some things to say about the surge. Certain newspapers and bloggers interpreted their words to mean that they - most notably Levin - believes the surge is working. Other bloggers argue the exact opposite. Since the two … [Read more...] about Does Levin Believe the Surge is Working or What?
Pre-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
According to Jules, Representative Bob Filner (a Democrat) suffers from pre-traumatic stress syndrome: it seems that, on his way to Iraq, the honorable Mr. Filner attacked an United Airlines bag claim employee. Head on over to Jules' blog - I especially liked the "you can't stop me" part. Jules shows that this is not exactly the first time that a Democrat misbehaved like … [Read more...] about Pre-Traumatic Stress Syndrome
Center of Attention
A round up of recent posts by a few centrist, moderate, and independent bloggers. A non-political post by Justin Gardner, for those (like me) who are interested in super-cool science, a.k.a., card-carrying members of the Mr. Wizard and Bill Nye fan clubs. Back on the political front, Justin considers a potential Sam Nunn Independent run for the White House. McQ finds … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
The Iraq War & The Banshee’s Wail
Today's Iraq war cold shower is brought to you by Nouri al-Maliki. As the surge shows some signs of success in the run-up to the White House-doctored September progress report, the utter dysfunction of Al-Maliki's government is like a banshee's wail over the cities, villages and deserts of Iraq. And you can bet it is being heard in Teheran and Damascus. How many times … [Read more...] about The Iraq War & The Banshee’s Wail
Chinese Toys
Brian Fairrington, Cagle Cartoons … [Read more...] about Chinese Toys
GOP Wannabes: I Just Don’t Get It
Even the Republican Party's own pollsters say that it will take a miracle for the GOP to keep the White House, let alone regain control of Congress, in 2008. Despite a slight uptick in poll numbers because of some success with the surge strategy, George Bush remains a deeply unpopular president and a substantial majority of Americans see the Iraq war for what it is – a … [Read more...] about GOP Wannabes: I Just Don’t Get It
Cities of Light: an Interview
When I received the screener of Cities of Light a documentary about Islamic Spain, it was also mentioned to me that if I wanted to ask questions to one of the producers, I could. After watching it - and writing the review published yesterday - I decided that I could not let this opportunity pass, so I send out an e-mail, got in contact with Michael Wolfe - executive producer of … [Read more...] about Cities of Light: an Interview
Around The Sphere August 21, 2007
Our famous linkfest offering readers interesting links to websites of varying opinions so they can explore the 'sphere. Links do NOT necessarily represent the viewpoints of The Moderate Voice or its writers. Karl Rove Said His Farewells On The Sunday Talk Shows but did he resemble a certain cartoon character? If You Wear Sagging Pants in Mansfield, LA you could be … [Read more...] about Around The Sphere August 21, 2007